### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **shᵉthâh**, represented by `{{H8355}}`, means to **drink**. A direct counterpart to the Hebrew word שָׁתָה, it appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage is highly concentrated, appearing exclusively in one chapter to describe a single, significant event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
All biblical occurrences of `{{H8355}}` are found in Daniel chapter 5, during King Belshazzar's great feast. The term is used to describe the central act of the event: the king and his court drinking wine. Belshazzar **drank** wine before his thousand lords [[Daniel 5:1]]. In a profane act, he commanded that the holy vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem be brought so that he, his lords, his wives, and his concubines might **drink** from them ([[Daniel 5:2]], [[Daniel 5:3]]). This act of drinking is directly linked to idolatry, as they **drank** wine and then praised gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone [[Daniel 5:4]]. The final use of the word comes in Daniel's rebuke, condemning the king because he had **drunk** wine in the sacred vessels and failed to glorify God [[Daniel 5:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
One word is directly associated with the action of `{{H8355}}` in this narrative:
* `{{H2562}}` **chămar** (wine): This Aramaic word for **wine** is the object of the verb "to drink" in every instance where `{{H8355}}` appears. The two words form a pair that defines the sacrilegious act at Belshazzar's feast ([[Daniel 5:1]], [[Daniel 5:4]], [[Daniel 5:23]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8355}}` is derived entirely from its specific context in Daniel 5. The simple act of drinking becomes a symbol of profound spiritual failure.
* **Act of Defiance:** To **drink** from the holy vessels was an act of lifting oneself up against the Lord of heaven [[Daniel 5:23]]. It was a deliberate desecration of what was consecrated to God.
* **Catalyst for Idolatry:** The act of drinking is immediately followed by the praising of false gods, linking the physical indulgence with spiritual unfaithfulness [[Daniel 5:4]].
* **Reason for Judgment:** Daniel explicitly cites Belshazzar's act of drinking from the vessels as a primary reason for his downfall, as it demonstrated a failure to glorify the one true God who held his life and ways in His hand [[Daniel 5:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8355}}` provides a focused look at how a common action can take on immense significance. While simply meaning "to drink," its exclusive use in the narrative of Belshazzar's feast transforms it into a keyword for pride, sacrilege, and the divine judgment that follows. The story illustrates that the manner and context of an action, not just the action itself, are of critical importance.
TRV